That’s the conclusion from this study at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, in Ontario. Continue reading Mindfulness, as good as antidepressants for depression
Mindfulness meditation for substance abuse
Relapse is common in substance use disorders, even among treated individuals.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin, in Madison reviewed the evidence supporting mindfulness meditation. Continue reading Mindfulness meditation for substance abuse
Does aloe vera affect blood pressure?
There’s evidence that about 5% of hypertensive Nigerians use aloe vera to lower blood pressure.
Researchers at the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California, studied the effects of oral aloe vera on blood pressure measurements. Continue reading Does aloe vera affect blood pressure?
Predicting IBS responders to hynotherapy
Approximately two-thirds of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) respond well to hypnotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Manchester, in the UK, assessed whether a therapeutic response to hypnosis could be predicted by relating mood to a positive, neutral or negative color. Continue reading Predicting IBS responders to hynotherapy
Risk of long-term nasal saline irrigation
There’s an increased risk of infection in people with recurrent sinusitis according to researchers at Georgetown University Hospital School of Medicine during the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2009 Meeting. Continue reading Risk of long-term nasal saline irrigation
Treating rotator cuff pain with exercise
Radial extracorporeal shockwave treatment was compared to supervised exercises by researchers at Ullevaal University Hospital, in Oslo, Norway. Continue reading Treating rotator cuff pain with exercise
More on soy intake and breast cancer risk
Eating lots of soy might lower breast cancer risk.
Researchers at the National Cancer Center, in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, report the effects of soy on breast cancer risk based on menopausal and hormone receptor status. Continue reading More on soy intake and breast cancer risk
Coffee, tea, and cardiovascular risk
In some cases the risk depends on how much you drink each day.
Researchers in the Netherlands report the risk of morbidity and death from stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD), and for mortality due to any cause. Continue reading Coffee, tea, and cardiovascular risk
The value of a phone call after CABG
Depression commonly follows coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and is associated with poorer outcomes.
Researchers from Pennsylvania and New York report that telephone calls as part of comprehensive care improves patients’ quality of life. Continue reading The value of a phone call after CABG
Dietary recommendations you probably already know
Every 5 years, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the United States Department of Agriculture publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which basically tell us what we should be eating.
Unless you’ve been living in a box, there’s probably nothing new here. Continue reading Dietary recommendations you probably already know
AHA endorses Nintendo Wii gaming system
The AHA logo will soon appear on the Nintendo Wii video gaming system.
“We have to engage consumers and citizens and the public where they are,” says Dr. Clyde Yancy, president of the American Heart Association (AHA). “The burden of heart disease and stroke is too much.”
But will the Wii really make a difference in heart health? Continue reading AHA endorses Nintendo Wii gaming system
More support for omega-3 to slow age-related cognitive decline
Researchers at Martek Biosciences Corporation, in Columbia, Maryland, studied the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (an essential fatty acid) on improving cognitive functions in healthy older adults with age-related cognitive decline. Continue reading More support for omega-3 to slow age-related cognitive decline
Herbal formula fails to prevent menopausal vasomotor symptoms
Researchers from the University of Western Sydney, in Australia report no benefit after 16 weeks of treatment. Continue reading Herbal formula fails to prevent menopausal vasomotor symptoms
Consumer Alert: Vigor-25
The FDA tells us that Vigor-25, a product marketed as a natural dietary supplement to enhance male sexual performance, should not be purchased or used because it contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the prescription drug Viagra.
The FDA is investigating the reported death of a 26-year old man, possibly associated with the use of Vigor-25. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Vigor-25
Food Allergy Herbal Formulation (FAHF-2)
During the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), researchers discussed how herbal treatments may be integrated into conventional allergy treatments, including this Chinese herbal formula.
Here’s what we know about FAHF-2, a Chinese herbal formula being tested to treat food allergies. Continue reading Food Allergy Herbal Formulation (FAHF-2)
Alcoholic energy drinks being banned by FDA
Deaths and hospitalizations have been reported in young people, according to New York Senator Charles Schumer. Continue reading Alcoholic energy drinks being banned by FDA
Heinz Ketchup reduces sodium 25%
H. J. Heinz Company has reformulated its world-famous ketchup to comply with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s National Salt Reduction Initiative.
It’s the latest salvo in the food wars. Continue reading Heinz Ketchup reduces sodium 25%
Predictors of yoga use among patients with breast cancer
Research suggests that yoga may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life among breast cancer patients.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, in Philadelphia, identified their characteristics. Continue reading Predictors of yoga use among patients with breast cancer
Pilates for low back pain?
In 2004, Prof. Chris Maher from The University of Sydney, in Australia concluded, “Physical treatments, such as… Pilates therapy… [is] either of unknown value or ineffective and so should not be considered.”
Now, researchers from Pilates Core Kinesis, in Madrid, Spain have published an updated review of the state of the art. Continue reading Pilates for low back pain?
Does vitamin D reduce progression of knee osteoarthritis?
During the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers in Boston reported (abstract 706) that adding vitamin D as a supplement did not lessen the symptoms or slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Continue reading Does vitamin D reduce progression of knee osteoarthritis?